Huckle Double Sinks Oldies

Two goals from Ben Huckle, with further Liam Sides and Aaron Hooper strikes, saw Vanbrugh 3rds record their first win of the 2013 College Cup.DSC_4373

Each side had lost both of their opening two encounters in Group C, so defeat was not an option in this one as Vanbrugh and Wentworth looked to get their qualification aims back on track.

An early Liam Sides prod from inside the penalty area gave Vanbrugh the early advantage they craved, before a scrambled second just two minutes later from Ben Huckle left Wentworth shocked at their opponent’s lightning-quick start.

Vanbrugh’s new 3-4-3 line-up was paying dividends and, with only ten minutes on the clock, they could have had a third when Sides crashed an audacious long-range punt off both posts.

Aaron Hooper then made it 3-0 moments before the break; a neat half volley from just five yards out gave Akash Nashpuri no chance in the Wentworth net.

And it was four early in the second period: Hooper sent in a deliciously inviting corner and Huckle powered a strong header off the post and into the net.

Breaking into Vanbrugh’s reverie, Wentworth made a contest of it. Dan Franks netted a consolation with a bullet header before a deft touch by substitute Dan Horsfall sent Jon Cook through on goal. The striker tumbled after pressure from three Vanbrugh defenders, but his penalty claims were waved away. Nevertheless, Cook did grab the goal he deserved late on, as he turned well and rifled past the stranded Kallum Taylor.

The result sees Vanbrugh climb to within touching distance of that all-important 2nd place, while Wentworth go bottom.